PAPA PICCOLO was awarded Finalist THORPE MENN AWARD for Literary Excellence, by the American Association of University Women

“It was only a cardboard box, but curious Piccolo poked his nose inside. ‘Why, look!’ exclaimed Piccolo to his old friend Caesar.
‘Kittens! Now why are two kittens alone in a box on a bridge?
Where do you suppose their mother is?’”



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Fully Illustrated Version

Picture Book for reading with the younger child - ages 3-6

This version of PAPA PICCOLO includes all the luminous illustrations just waiting to enchant children of any age, and especially the read-to set.

If the text-only version is better for your needs, then please click on PAPA PICCOLO in the Text-Only Version for the serious young reader - ages 6-9.

Happy reading in either Version.

PAPA PICCOLO will promote a sense of responsibility for others and explore the many different kinds of families.

CARING AND NURTURING

The lion is the emblem of Venice, but the common cat rules its narrow streets and alleyways. A prince among these feline rulers is Piccolo, and what a fine life he leads! Especially after dark-when the streets are full of possibilities!

Then one night, Piccolo makes a discovery that threatens his carefree life and his independence and starts him on a new and special kind of adventure.

In these pages, you will also meet Caesar-Piccolo's older and somewhat cynical friend, and Sophia-the shoe shop cat, to whom Piccolo turns for advice when his life takes its unexpected turn. And you will meet two irresistible kittens-one spotted and one striped-who need a home and who help Piccolo discover his own tender heart.

Author Carol Talley, who first visited Venice vicariously in 1977, returned to that city-which many call the most beautiful in the world-to capture its watery magic in breathtaking prose.

Illustrator Itoko Maeno's enchanting renderings of the canals, markets, crooked byways, boats, and bridges of Venice and her wise and witty portraits of its two- and four-legged citizens will delight children and adults alike.

At a time when we are recognizing the need for boys as well as girls to develop nurturing skills, Piccolo appears as a welcome model for all children.

Piccolo leads a life full of adventure and possibilities. And then two homeless kittens decide to adopt the free-spirited Piccolo. "I'm not a Papa cat," objects Piccolo. "I'm a tomcat." Children will delight in seeing how the kittens help Piccolo discover his own tender heart and a new kind of adventure.

A SURPRISE and added bonus is the "Enrichment Information" which includes lots of facts about daily life in Venice. There are colorful thumbnail sketches of Venice, Marco Polo, Italian words and phrases, Canals of Venice, Bridges of Venice, Flags of Venice, Regattas and Gondolas and Gondoliers! This is fascinating detail that did not make it into the story itself, but is very rich in interesting description.

A second big plus is the "Letter to Parents and Educators" which includes many relevant questions and comments to facilitate conversation with young readers about the message of the story...that "Papas" as well as "Mamas," can be the most nurturing and caring parents! So even though on the surface, this is just an engaging story for children, it is also truly helpful in a real way.

MAKING THE CASE FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION

If you are tired of bullying, teasing, youth violence, gangs, vandalism, drug abuse, sexual misconduct…

If you are tired of the crisis with our older youth…

If you want to help make a difference one tiny step at a time…

Then this is the eBook for your children ages 3-9.

Read WITH your children, discuss the concept and message…

and know that you are part of the movement sweeping America to bring back our important values by restoring character education in our homes and schools.

(signed) The Thoughtful Parent
JOAN'S e